1970 Ford Mustang: Ultimate In-Depth Guide

History, Specs, Options, Performance & More

1970 Ford Mustang Guide

1970 Ford Mustang

1970 Ford Mustang Overview

In 1970, John Naughton, a Ford Motor Company vice president and general manager of the Ford Division, said, “With a more powerful nine-engine lineup, additional muscle-car options and the new colors, the 1970 Mustang comes on stronger and sportier than ever before.” The truth was more subtle. The 1970 saw no major changes to the Mustang lineup. The 1970 Mustang body resembles the 1969 body with the following visual external modifications. Internal modifications consisted of a different steering wheel, new high-back bucket seats and the addition of an optional interior decor group added too. The engine lineup changed slightly for 1970. Total Production for 1970 was 190,727 units.

Model: 1970 Ford Mustang
Generation: 1st Generation Mustang
Type: 2 Door
Body Styles: Coupe, Convertible, Fastback/Sportsroof
Engines: 200ci six, 250ci six, 302ci 2bbl V8, 302ci 4bbl V8, 351ci 2bbl V8, 351ci 4bbl V8, 428ci 4bbl V8, 429ci 4bbl V8
Original Price: $2,822 (Basic Coupe), $3,126 (Convertible), $2,872 (Fastback)
Units Produced: 190,727

Additional 1970 Mustang Research: 1970 Research Center / Colors Details / Production Numbers / Prices & Options / Sales Brochures / Owner Manuals / Maintenance / Pictures / Videos / VIN Decoder / Special Editions


Background & Details

The 1970 saw no major changes to the Mustang lineup. Most of the changes were in the way of subtle refinements. The 1970 Mustang body was basically the same as the 1969 model year body with the following visual external modifications:

  • The headlights were moved inside the grill opening. The outboard location where the headlights previously were located was covered with a simulated air intake piece.
  • The simulated air intake on the fastback’s rear quarter panel was removed.
  • A reverse facing (simulated scoop was added on the Grande’s side and looks like a backwards comb.
  • Rear tail lights were flat and recessed.
  • A shaker hood was available on all 351 engines and the Boss 302 v-8 engines, but not the 428 CJ
  • The Mach 1 grille was restyled and included 2 driving lights.
  • Hood pins were replaced with twist style locking pins
  • The rear taillight panel got a honeycomb panel
  • The lower Mach 1 sides got an argent metal panel with MACH 1 molded into it.
  • A win-type rear deck air spoiler was also available, along with tinted glass.

On the inside, modifications consisted of a different steering wheel and new high-back bucket seats became standard equipment with the seat back release moved to the lower part of the seat. A new “oval” steering wheel (supposedly to ease entry and exit), and the ignition switch was moved to the steering column which locked the steering wheel when turned to the off position. The 1970 Mustang also featured

molded louvers that protected rear seat passengers from direct sunlight. They were painted a racing black color and hinged upward for easy access to the back window.

There was an optional interior decor group which consisted of simulated wood grain interior, knitted vinyl or high back bucket seats with a blazer stripe. A deluxe steering wheel, and on the exterior: dual color matching rear view mirrors, rocker panel and wheel lip moldings.

The headlights became dual units again instead of the quad units used in ’69, front side marker lamps were moved up onto the fenders, the quarter panel “scoops” were deleted, and the rear taillights were now recessed into their housings.

Engines

The engine lineup changed slightly for 1970. Performance modifications as always depended on your engine and package. V8s with dual exhaust now had 2 mufflers mounted in front of the rear axle.

The 390 was dropped and the 351-2V Cleveland and 351-4V Cleveland replaced the 351 Windsor models of previous years. The 390 engine had become obsolete and the Cleveland units were better all around. The 351 engine package spouting a 4bbl car was only available in the Cleveland variety. There were 351 2bbl engines installed a mustangs if requested. It was the luck of the draw whether you received a Windsor or Cleveland 2bbl engine.

The 428 drag pack was produced with either a 3.91:1 or 4.30:1 axle ratio. The engine received an oil cooler and 427 type connecting rods, a different harmonic balancer & flywheel.

Special Edition Models & Variants

The Grande, Mach 1, Boss 302, and Boss 429 were all available in 1970 and the Shelby cars had their final year. There were several territorial specials like the Twister Special that are hugely popular with collectors today.

1970 shelby mustang

The Shelbys

The 1970 Shelby came in two models: the Shelby GT-350 and the Shelby GT-500, in both fastback and convertible body styles. 1970 Shelbys were carry overs from 1969; and therefore the bodystyle and options did not change. One difference was the hood stripes. In 1970 the Shelbys had two black front pointed hood stripes centered over the outer four hood vents. This was the last year the Shelby was offered. It doesn’t appear again until the 2006 model year.

Learn more about the 1970 Shelby Models

1970 Ford Mustang Grande

Mustang Grande

The 1970 Mustang Grande option was only for the hardtop and consisted of a vinyl roof, plush interior with luxury foam bucket seats, deluxe two-spoke steering wheel, color-keyed racing mirrors (not on the car shown), full wheel covers, electric clock, bright exterior body moldings (only on the truck of this car), and dual outside paint stripes.

Learn more about the 1970 Ford Mustang Grande 

1970 Ford Mustang Mach 1

Mach 1

The Mustang Mach I, introduced in 1969, was popular again in 1970. The 1970 Mustang Mach 1 came only on the fastback body style. Factory options included: 351ci 4-barrel engine, 3-speed manual transmission, Ford 9 inch 3.00 standard axle ratio, black hood stripe, F70x14 belted tires, power steering, AM radio, tinted glass, front bumper guards, and tachometer.

Learn more about the 1970 Ford Mustang Mach 1

1970 ford mustang boss 302

Mustang Boss

The 1970 Mustang Boss came in two models: the Boss 302 and the Boss 429. The Boss came only in the fastback body style and included either the 302ci or 429ci V8 engine, Drag Pack suspension, Convenience Group, clock, power steering, power front disk brakes, tachometer, AM radio, functional front air spoiler, decor group, competition suspension, trunk mounted battery, and bucket seats with center console. For 1970, the Boss 302 got a competition suspension, smaller intake valves and aluminum valve covers.

Learn more about the 1970 Ford Mustang Boss Models

1970 Ford Mustang Twister Special

Twister Special

The 1970 Mustang Mach 1 Twister Special was a promotional special model sold only in the Kansas City area. The promotion was limited to 96 cars and all were Grabber Orange Mach 1 Mustangs with either the Super Cobra Jet Ram Air engine or the new 351ci Cleveland 4 valve V8 engine, Drag Pack suspension, a tornado decal on the rear fender with the words Twister Special, and all obviously for a special price.

Learn more about the 1970 Ford Mustang Twister Special

1970 Ford Mustang Sidewinder Special

Sidewinder Special Mustang

Not a lot is known about the ’70 Sidewinder Special. What is known is that all sidewinders were produced with 351-4V engines, were Dearborn built, were all sportsroof models, and were sold in the Oklahoma Sales District. The Sidewinder came in a variety of colors, and sported a decal which was similar to Ford’s own cobra cartoon. These decal stripe kits were placed in the trunk, and were to only be applied by the dealers who decided to be involved in the promotion. It is believed that about 40 Sidewinder Special were produced.

Learn more about the 1970 Ford Mustang Sidewinder Special

Mustang Grabber

Mustang Grabber Models

Towards the beginning of the 1970 model year, Ford introduced the Grabber Mustangs to promote their new line of Grabber colors, including Grabber Blue, Grabber Orange, Grabber Green, and Grabber Yellow. All of these Grabber Mustangs could only be ordered with the sportsroof model, and could be ordered with one of two strip packages.

Learn more about the 1970 Mustang Grabber Models


Specifications, Options & Detailed Stats

Production Numbers

A total of 190,727 Mustangs were sold in 1970. Total production was down 5.5% year on year, the fourth year in a row of declining sales. Once again, the Hardtop coupe was the biggest seller, making up just over 43% of the total cars sold in basic form and another 13,581 units sold as the “Grande” model (7% of production). To dive into the model and body splits as well as see charts and percentages, check out our 1970 Ford Mustang Production & Sales Numbers deep dive.

Options and Pricing

The 1970 saw no major changes to the Mustang lineup. Most of the changes were in the way of subtle refinements. For more detailed options and pricing, please check out our 1970 pricing and options research.

Exterior & Interior Colors

A total of 16 exterior colors were offered for the 1970 Mustang model year. Adding in Shelby colors and any special model colors and total comes to 25 options. As you may or may not know, several colors could be special ordered on any 1970 Mustang hardtop, fastback, or convertible. For detailed colors, color palettes, codes and interior colors please check out our in depth 1970 colors information post.

Dimensions & Weight

The 1970 Mustang body resembles the 1969 body with a following visual external modifications that did not impact the dimensions and weight of the car.

Capacities

Engine Specs

The engine lineup changed slightly for 1970 and was another benchmark year for Ford Mustang in its proliferation of performance engines. The base engine continued to be the 200 cubic inch six cylinder. The economy minded Mustang owner could still opt for the 250 cubic inch six cylinder. The base V8 continued to be the 302-2V V8. The 390 was dropped and the 351-2V Cleveland and 351-4V Cleveland replaced the 351 Windsor models of previous years. The Mach 1, Boss 302, and Boss 429 were all available in 1970. For more information on engines for 1970, you can find the information here.

Performance

We have mentioned before that getting accurate performance data on the early Mustangs is nearly impossible. In most cases only specific variant or engine combinations were ever tested.

VIN Information

Vin Decoder Mustang 1970

This link will take you to a page which contains the VIN tag information for all years of Mustangs. Previously this information appeared on each Mustang’s year page, but consolidating it has significantly reduced page loading times. To decode the build sheet, check out our 1970 VIN & Data Plate Decoder sheet.

Videos & Picture Galleries

We managed to find some great video reviews of the 1970 Mustang so definitely check those out. We also have a picture 1970 Ford Mustang Picture Gallery and photos of real Mustangs in each color that was available.